The Anfield Wrap – All the drama and reaction from the big game

Liverpool recovered from a two-goal deficit at Anfield to hold Premier League-leading Arsenal to a 2-2 draw in a breathless encounter on Sunday afternoon.

First-half goals from Arsenal’s Brazilian Gabriels, Martinelli, and Jesus, gave the visitors a heartily deserved advantage. Yet, the hosts recovered to claim a point through Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino in the 87th minute – though that tells very little of an enthralling story of a contest.

The Anfield wrap – The Kop delivers again 

Before the game, Mikel Arteta likened Anfield to a ‘jungle’ before the match and Jurgen Klopp underlined the theme when detailing his side’s out-of-possession approach. “When they have the ball,” Klopp urged, “we have to be like animals.”

After so much talk of Anfield’s crushing atmosphere, Arsenal silenced the stands on Merseyside with a second goal in the first half-hour. If Robertson had been indecisive for Arsenal’s opener, there seemed to be precious little thought at all in Alexander-Arnold’s stationary approach to defending.

Liverpool had punctuated Arsenal’s breezy confidence on the ball with a couple of threatening thrusts but the Anfield crowd wasn’t ignited until Granit Xhaka needlessly went nose-to-nose with Alexander-Arnold. In an incendiary burst reminiscent of Arteta’s confrontation with Klopp in November 2021, Liverpool’s players were buoyed by their fans.

The Reds concede early again

It did however serve to add weight to familiar narratives around the Reds given the ease with which they conceded.

In addition, there was more evidence of the creative level they can find is still there in the biggest games.

• The Reds have only lost one of their last 37 Premier League games at Anfield (W27 D9), with that defeat coming against Leeds United in October.
• Liverpool had 19 shots inside the box in this match, the most such efforts that Arsenal have faced on record in a Premier League match (2003-04 onwards).
• Jurgen Klopp’s side have conceded seven goals in the opening 10 minutes of games this season in the Premier League, the joint-most along with Bournemouth.